News
Tornado watch vs warning. What’s the difference?
![Here's how to tell the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.](https://arcticnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tornado-watch-vs-warning-Whats-the-difference.png)
Tornado season is spinning up again in Indiana, and with it comes weather alerts declaring different watches and warnings.
To help Hoosiers understand the difference, IndyStar is breaking down the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
When weather authorities, mainly the National Weather Service, issue a tornado watch, be prepared. These alerts mean tornadoes are possible in the area under the watch.
Watches mean the conditions favor thunderstorms that can whip up tornadoes.
Tornadoes extend from thunderstorms when instability leads to wind variations that support rotation, according to NWS. This instability comes from warm moist air at ground level mixing with cooler dry air above. Combine this with wind shear, and strong updrafts can start the rotations.
These conditions are perfect for a tornado, and when meteorologists detect them, will issue a watch.
Live weather updates:Tornadoes, large hail possible in Indianapolis Tuesday, April 2. Snow Wednesday, April 3?
When a warning is issued, take action. This means a tornado has been spotted either by someone on the ground or by radar.
Warning areas are typically smaller than those within a watch.
Trained spotters and law enforcement can notify NWS when visual cues of a tornado on the ground are obvious.
Doppler radar data and images can show forecasters certain patterns, called tornadic vortex signatures. These make it easier for meteorologists to spot dangerous weather.
To make it relatable, IndyStar created a handy graphic using the pork tenderloin sandwich.
A watch means the area has all the right ingredients to make a tenderloin sandwich, it’s just not assembled yet. With all the ingredients, a tornado could form within the area.
A warning means the sandwich is fully assembled (a tornado has been confirmed).
Tornadoes develop rapidly, so planning a safety plan ahead of time is important.
The National Weather Service has a preparedness guide for all types of severe weather including tornadoes.
Here are some rules when a tornado strikes:
- Move to a basement of safe room
- If there’s no basement, find a windowless interior room or hallway
- Leave mobile homes and find the closest sturdy building
- If outside: get into a vehicle, buckle up and drive to a sturdy building
Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk.
IndyStar’s environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
-
News2 weeks ago
Rep. Bennie Thompson fires staffer after controversial posts over Trump attack
-
News4 weeks ago
‘The God of the Woods,’ by Liz Moore book review
-
News4 weeks ago
The current GC standings at the Tour de France 2024
-
News4 weeks ago
Mexico vs. Venezuela prediction, odds, start time: 2024 Copa America picks, June 26 bets by soccer expert
-
News4 weeks ago
Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix after late Verstappen-Norris collision | Motorsports News
-
News2 weeks ago
Duck Donuts brings back Shark Dozen deal during Shark Week
-
News4 weeks ago
Rep. Thomas Massie shares about wife Rhonda’s death
-
News4 weeks ago
Kamala Harris acknowledges Biden had a ‘slow start’ in debate – NBC4 Washington